Best Garmin Fish Finder Reviews

Garmin has become one of the most trusted fish finder brand in the industry. All their gadgets are state-of-the-art fish finders that include all the features you need in a fish finder unit. Garmin fish finders come in all sizes and shapes for you to pick the unit that fits your fishing style. Garmin has been in the business for a long time, and they know their stuff. If you decide to jump on a Garmin model, you can be sure that you are investing in a quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Below, you’ll be able to read the best Garmin fish finder reviews and hopefully, you will be able to make an informed decision to invest in a Garmin model that meets your demands and suits your fishing style the best.

First up in our countdown is the Echo 551dv from Garmin that comes with a top-quality and complete transducer. This unit will provide stunning photo-like views of the bottom structure, objects, plants, fish and every little detail below the water surface. This unit is among the Garmin’s best-sold fish finder equipment mainly because of the sophisticated transducer that can deliver, in split screen, both Garmin DownVü and the state-of-the-art HS-ID 77/200 kHz. Both Garmin DownVü and the HS-ID allow you to read detailed information on a graphic level that you have not experienced before thanks to the bright and crisp 480×640 pixels display resolution.

On top of that, the Echo 551dv includes a brilliant Smooth Scaling feature that was designed to make any transition from deep water to shallow water. The Echo 551dv is a cutting edge fish finder that is packed with the latest technology attributesthat make this finder an essential fish finder for your fishing adventure.

Another fantastic function is the Ultra-Scroll ability that provides accurate fish targets, even if you are sailing at high speed. The fish target is displayed as a fish iconto make it easier for the angler toidentify fish targets quickly.

The Echo 551dv is packed with many great features such as the advanced HD-ID that will supply you with a dual 77/200 kHz to ensure HD near picture-like images on the 5″ VGA color display screen. Moreover, you will be able to zoom in and out and program the fish finder to provide images from either narrow or wide view. This unit is extremely powerful and to deliver excellent performance, This fish finder comes with a high transmit power of 4000-watt PTP that delivers premium performance down to 2300 feet.

Overall, the Echo 551dv is a top-quality fish finder that includes powerful sonar that allows you to analyze data from the high-grade screen in a stunning graphic resolution. This unit is recognized as one of the best fish finders in this price range because of the innovated transducer that works together with the DownVü feature and the HS-ID 77/200 kHz to deliver accurate data in a split screen function.

Moreover, it is no coincidence that this model is one of Garmin´s favored fish finder because it is hard to find other units, at this price, which can compete with the Echo 551dv in quality and cost. It is very hard to find any negative reviews about this model, and if they are, they are easily outweighed by the pros. Having said that, this is a reasonably priced, prime quality product that will be an ideal solution for anyone who is on the lookout to boost their fishing adventure.

2. Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73sv with transducer

Our second item is the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 73sv, and here we have a 7” wide-screen unit that provides 800×480 pixels resolution that delivers superior view from all angles, even in bright sunlight. This is another high-selling product from the Garmin stable, and for a good reason. It comes with the brilliantly integrated CHIRP sonar functionality. This unit does not send one sonar signal at a time, like the majority of finders on the market today, but fires nonstop signals on a low-to-high range scale. This way, the CHIRP 73sv can fire more signals at targets and therefore provide a lot more accurate frequency returns than other fish finders.

Additionally, this fish finder comes with LakeVü HD maps that ensure that you will enjoy high detail data of over 17000 lakes and rivers in the US. Keep in mind that the LakeVü HD maps offer twice as more pre-loaded lakes than any other fish finder on the market. TheLakeVü HD mapping innovation makes it easier to get a clear picture of everything you need, in stunning graphic. Moreover, it will display plenty of useful information such as bridges, docks, campgrounds and specific fishing locations.

Moreover, you will be able to enjoy the Quickdraw Contours feature that allows you to design your own maps using 1-foot contours. Garmin automatically saves the maps to your device and you can even share them with other Garmin users if you like. If you have additional sonar installed, Quick-draw Contours ensures that you will always have the top-quality and detailed results on your screen by automatically pick the best contour data.

The Garmin GPS technology is among the best in the business, and this model comes with an accurate and reliable GPS navigation system. The GPS is built to refresh your position 5x times per second to ensure that you can read smooth movement on the display. Moreover, you will be able to program the system to drop 5000 waypoints that you can then use to store and mark your favorite hot spot. To save the maps and waypoints and other information, there is a handy microSD card slot. You can even purchase additional mapping solutions, liket+ theLakeVü HD Ultra or theBlueChart g2.

Mounting and installation is extremely easy and included in the package is transoms mount, along with a tilt and swivel mount, plus a trolling motor mount. In other words, there are tons of different mounting solutions to meet everyone’s’ demands. Additionally, you will receive a power and a data cable, protective cover to store the unit and also there is a quick-release cradle along with the user manual. All in all a fantastic device if you are planning to take your fishing to a whole new level.

3. Garmin Striker 5dv

Next up is the Striker 5dv from Garmin that offers a portable and powerful solution for those who are looking for a compact fish finder. This is a 5″ unit that comes with fantastic CHIRP sonar. It was designed to deliver top performance in any weather conditions. Therefore, it is safe to say that this unit was built to last.

This model, like all other Gramin fish finders, is equipped with an accurate and built-in GPS navigation system to enable you to pinpoint any hotspots or any other waypoints that you would like to store. The Garmin GPS system features an extremely reliable and sensitive GPS signal that shows you exactly where you are and where you are heading on the water. The GPS will also show you how fast you are traveling, so you will see on-screen if you are trolling at the right speed.

The Striker includes the popular DownVu scan sonar that delivers photo-like images of everything below the boat down to 750feet. Just like the highly favored echoMAP CHIRP 73sv, this one also features the All-in-One transom mount CHIRP along with a 300W CHIRP DownVu transducer. Therefore, the transducer will fire out multiple sonar frequencies, instead of the usual single frequency, and therefore provides you with much more accurate and detailed fish and objects information on the screen.

There are many functions available on the screen, and you can even choose to split the screen horizontal or vertical to read different data, all on one screen. On the beautiful 5″ screen you will be able to see waypoints, scanning sonar and down view sonar. There is also a Smooth-Scale feature that makes any transition between frequencies or depth a hassle free process without any data loss. Then there is the Ultra-Scroll function that enables you to view fish targets, even if you are sailing at high speed and the fish symbol ID helps you to spot your prey easily. On top of that, you can use the sonar history to review your waypoints and revisit any location that you saved.

Overall, the Striker is an excellent solution for those who are looking for a state-of-the-art portable fish finder that includes everything you need to get you started. Included is a battery pack, transducer mount, and a suction cup. This unit is extremely popular among those who own a kayak or small boats. In other words, here we have an excellent product from the reputable Garmin stable that is a fantastic selection for the dedicated small-medium boat owners that are looking for an exciting experience on the water.

4. Garmin Striker 4 built-in GPS Fish Finder

Next up is one of the budget friendly models from the Garmin family. This is efficient but basic fish finder that comes with a 3.5″ display that delivers 480×320 pixel resolutions in HVGA color. Also, this is a backlit display which means that you will be able to read from the screen in any conditions, even in bright daylight.

This model comes with CHIRP sonar that brings a lot of power and clarity onto your screen. These photo-like sonar images are extremely clear and less clutter than the rest of the brands out there. Using the CHIRP provides fantastic target separation. Target separation is very useful because if a traditional sonar detects agroup of fish that are swimming close together, you will only see a big target on your screen. However, using the CHIRP, you will clearly see several targets swimming together in a group.

This Striker will also feature the Fish Symbol ID that basically tells you that you are looking at a fish. Not all fish finders can distinguish between a fish and other objects, but you can rest assured that the Striker 4 was developed to analyze the sonar returns efficiently and you will see a handy fish ID on your screen, and you will also see how deep the fish is located.

The Striker 4 also features a sensitive and accurate GPS navigation that is able to pinpoint your current location with accuracy and track the speed of your boat as well. By using the GPS, you will be able to mark up to 5000 waypoints to store your favorite fishing spot or revisit previous fishing location.

Overall, in case you are searching for a compact and budget-friendlyfishfinder that comes with CHIRP, but without having to forkout more money for down-view sonar and sophisticated GPS features, then the Striker 4 could be your ideal option. It comes with dual frequency CHIRP sonar, basic GPS, transducer and depth capability of 1600ft which is more than enough to boost your fishing adventure.

Benefits of Owning a Garmin Fish Finder

The fish finders from Garmin include a various selection of equipment that you will be able to use fishing offshore, onshore, sailing or cruising. They are extremely user-friendly in operation and setup, both for the beginner and the seasoned fishers as a result of all the great built-in functions such as the GPS, transducer, autopilots and radar. All these features are designed to enhance your fishing experience and, most of all, find you tons of fish.

Bells and Whistles

As I did mention above, Garmin fish finders are ideal for all kinds of fishing (inland, coastal and sailing). If you are looking for a unit to use in deep water, there are many sophisticated, but easy to use, Garmin models available on the market. Don’t let all the technical slangs scare you away because Garmin units are built with the user in mind, and you should be quickly well on your way to find lots of fish, even if you are just starting out. Having said that, it is time to dig deeper into the technical specs of Garmin brands that enable it to be one of the leading fish finding manufacturers.

Chart-Plotter

Each and every fish finder from Garmin includes a digital screen or chart-plotter. It is extremely important to have a quality screen because these are features that determine the details of the information that you are reading from the screen.

Sonar Combos

Garmin has established them self as industry leaders in sonartechnology, and they can provide a more graphic and advanced view of all the important information that you need to find hotspots. You will be able to receive accurate information of fish, terrain, and objects from a deeper level than before, This is Garmin’s’ way of making your experience efficient and simple.

Different Types of Sonar

Sonar technology is a technologythat was developed to deliver aclear and detailed view of everything below your boat. The best way to bring you the most important data of the structure of the bottom, target fish, objects, and plants is to present them in great photo-like details on the display screen. Taking advantage of the CHIRP sonar technology, you will be able to apply both SideVü and DownVü scanning innovation to the Echo-map charting package.

Final Thoughts

Garmin is without a doubt one of the big sharks on the GPS market, and they are rapidly establishing them self as one of the best fish finder manufacturers. Their GPS efficiency and the ability to accurately spot fish are one of their main selling points. Moreover, their sonar signal technology (200kHz and 50kHz) deliver excellent, premium quality images.

The only drawback of Garmin fish finder is that they do not support Side-Scan-Imaging that you can find in other brands. However, Side-Imaging is a significantly more expensive feature than a Garmin unit. If you do compare Garmin with other similarly priced fish finders, you will notice that Garmin offers GPS while most other brands only are available with sonar. Having said that, you can rest assured that if you end up with a Garmin product, you are investing in the future and you will have a reliable fish finder that will find you a lot of fish quickly.

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